Spiritual Warfare in the Last Days
Pastor A. W. Weckeman Updated Nov. 8, 2025
Where Have All the Soldiers Gone?
The concepts of Christian soldiering and spiritual warfare are among the many essential doctrines diminished by the ceaseless onslaught of liberal theology and secular humanism. As a result, the biblical terms: “soldier of Jesus Christ,” “weapons of our warfare,” “war a good warfare,” “contend for the faith” are largely absent from the modern Christian vocabulary.
The Lost Perspective of a Bygone Era
The sermons and songs of the Church in the 16th and 17th centuries reveal a spiritual gap between modern Christianity and earlier generations. Compared to contemporary music, the lyrics of old hymns display a greater depth of spiritual understanding and doctrine. The lack of spiritual depth in today’s Christian preaching and music underscores a very different attitude toward the world and life in general. The music of yesteryear employs a warlike vocabulary, reflecting a soldier’s mindset that is noticeably absent and unfamiliar to modern listeners: “Onward Christian Soldiers” (181), “Hold the Fort” (409), and “Fight the Good Fight” (379).
The constant struggle between life and death against the forces of darkness was a common theme in the hymnal, as was a deep reliance on God and His Word for guidance, strength, and protection. Unlike today, the old hymns conveyed a pilgrim’s mindset, recognizing that this world was not their true home. Believers of that time saw “this present evil world” for what it truly is and sincerely longed for Heaven; “When we all get to Heaven what a day of rejoicing that will be” (498). They eagerly anticipated the day when “This robe of flesh I’ll drop, and rise To seize the everlasting prize…” Sweet Hour of Prayer (361).
The sacred music also expressed a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ that created a deep longing to be “Nearer, still nearer close to Thy heart, Draw me, my Savior, so precious Thou art…” Nearer, Still Nearer (323).
The Need to Rekindle the Lost Perspective.
“Show me thy ways, O LORD: teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me…” (Ps. 25:4-5)
“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find…” (Matt. 7:7).
Before salvation, our primary need was to SEE (in the Light of God’s Word) who we were “without Christ.” After salvation, we face a similar challenge; this time, our primary need is spiritual discernment: to see who we are “in Christ”; to see ourselves as God sees us. To understand the neglected perspective of our purpose, realizing that “in Christ” we are not only “sons of God,” but called to be soldiers.
Peace with God Equals War with the Devil.
The crux of Christianity is an ongoing battle between the powers of God and the hordes of hell—a struggle for lost souls. It is a deadly clash between the God of “this present evil world” and the Lord Jesus Christ and His followers. In truth, our salvation is both a proclamation of peace with God and a declaration of war against the devil. In a split second, when God’s Spirit joined our spirit (1 Cor. 6:17). Therefore, the second birth is the birth of a soldier. Like it or not, upon salvation, we are inducted into God’s army; perhaps unwittingly, nevertheless, we took sides in a real battle. We entered the age-old war between good and evil, light and darkness, God and Satan (1 Tim. 1:18, 2 Tim. 2:3-4, and Eph. 6:12). Make no mistake about it; at the point of salvation, we incurred the wrath of the forces of darkness. We now have a powerful, invisible adversary, “…as a roaring lion, walking about, seeking whom he may devour…” (1Peter 5:8).
Good Soldiers Endure Hardness and Stand Their Ground.
“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.” (2 Tim. 2:3-4).
“…earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” (Jude 1:3)
In the “last days,” believers must be steadfast, speak with boldness, and the authority of God’s Word. “Thou therefore gird up thy loins, and arise, and speak unto them all that I command thee: be not dismayed at their faces, lest I confound thee before them.” (Jer. 1:17). “This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare.” (1 Tim.1:18). Never compromising or retreating from sound biblical doctrine, nor being concerned about offending the sensibilities of a lost and dying world. “The fear of man bringeth a snare…” (Prov. 29:25). Better to fear God than man.
The Real Purpose of God’s Grace
Unfortunately, today many Christians have been misled into believing that the only reason God saved them was to keep them out of hell and improve their life here on earth. Such half-truths can have devastating consequences. Those who have been taught that the Christian life is about health, wealth, and happiness are in for a rude awakening.
They will be sorely disappointed and discouraged when they discover that just the opposite is true. God’s plan and purpose for their life will most certainly involve tribulation, persecution, suffering, and a host of adversities, “…all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” (2 Tim. 3:12)
“…he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey…” (Isa.59:15).
Proper Self-perspective
Understanding our calling and mandate ‘in Christ’ is crucial, especially in the final hours of the Church age; misunderstandings can lead to false expectations, deep disappointment, and eternal loss of rewards.
In reality, it is only by God’s grace that we are the blessed partakers of His righteousness. God’s plan of salvation isn’t all about us; it didn’t begin with us, nor does it end with us. Although the war involves the soldier, it’s not primarily about the soldier.
The manifestation of His grace isn’t about having all our needs fulfilled. It’s about glorifying the One who saved us by whatever means HE CHOOSES, “…as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Phil.1:20-21). In truth, we are but trophies of His grace (Eph. 2:4-7, 1 Peter 2:9).
The world is for all of us not only what it is …it is what we believe it to be.” Tozer. It has been wisely said that outlook determines the outcome, and attitude influences commitment. The understanding that we are called to be soldiers of Jesus Christ, saved to fight the forces of darkness and free the devil’s captives, should be a sobering realization. It is not something to be taken lightly and should significantly influence how we live our lives. A Christian life without the cross is a deadening self-deception, an invention of modern charlatans, rooted in the desire to enjoy the best of both worlds. It is a selfish attempt to have one foot in Heaven and the other in “this present evil world.”
Participation in the Battle is a Choice
Even though we are inducted into God’s army upon salvation, you don’t have to “Fight the good fight…” You can choose to ignore the command and stay on the sidelines; no one gets hurt in the bleachers. It’s the guys down on the field, the participants, who get battered. However, keep in mind that you will eventually face the Captain of your salvation. “Christianity isn’t meant to be a spectator’s sport!” If you commit to living for Christ, if you decide to arm yourself with His Word, pick up your sword and get in the battle, then get it settled in your heart and mind, IT WILL COST YOU! “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Eph. 6:12). There’s no way around it. “No work of God can become established unless it goes through the fire.” Rees Howells
To gain something worthwhile in the future, something must be sacrificed in the present, “Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” (Col.3:23-24, cf. Mal. 3:16-18). No Cross, No Crown!
Lessons of Army Life
In November 1966, at Fort Dix, N.J., I was sworn into the U.S. Army. At that moment, I relinquished the next three years of my life and officially became a soldier. However, the swearing-in ceremony was just the beginning—the initial surrender that set the stage for ongoing submission.
In the coming days, I would learn a great deal about the crucial connection between submission and soldiering. The purpose of boot camp was to transform us from a group of willful individuals into a unit of disciplined, unquestioning warriors. This change of heart was achieved through intense training that involved constant challenges and ongoing hardship, designed to break down any resistance to authority. There could be no second-guessing commands in the heat of battle; orders wouldn’t be explained, nor did they have to make sense.
There were numerous dropouts; some broke under the weight of the physical and mental hardships; they couldn’t endure the intensity of the training. Still, others refused to relinquish their individualism and self-will, constantly resisting the authority of the drill sergeants.
Spiritual Warriors for Christ
For me, the swearing-in ceremony at Fort Dix was the first step that paved the way for a life of submission to authority; the same is true for our new life in Christ. The act of surrender to Christ that preceded salvation must become a continual part of our lives, a daily reality. A truth expressed by the apostle Paul in 1 Cor. 15:31: “I die daily…” (to self-will). “For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake…” (Phil. 1:29)
God’s Boot Camp
For this reason, God has His own version of boot camp designed to subdue our inborn sin nature. Transform His recruits from self-willed, self-centered individuals into yielded, unquestioning soldiers. (2 Cor.11:23-29). “Only the battlefield can produce warriors.” As the scriptural outlook gradually sets in, everything changes. A crucial development occurs; we begin to see ourselves as active combatants in the greatest struggle of all time. Perplexing trials, affliction, and inexplicable suffering are then viewed as a regular part of our calling (Acts 5:40-41 & 16:23-25). We begin to understand that God is in complete control. The afflictions and struggles of the Christian life are not meaningless or arbitrary; instead, they are allowed by an all-wise God to train and equip His soldiers for battle.
The reality of (1 Peter 4:12-13) comes into focus. “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing is happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.”
“The great thing is to suffer without being discouraged.” Fenelon
“ Away up in glory, eternity’s day, God leads His dear children along. Some thru the waters, some thru the flood, Some thru the fire, but all thru the blood; Some thru great sorrow, but God gives a song, In the night season and all the day long.” God Leads Us Along G.A. Young, Hymnal page # 298
“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish.” (Isa. 41:10-11).